Karim Benzema is the winner of the Ballon d’Or 2022 ahead of Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne during France Football ceremony on Monday night in Paris, France.

27th when he was first appointed in 2008 then 30th the following year after his transfer to Real Madrid, Karim Benzema waited for his time. And it has come now.

Already fourth last year, the 34-year-old striker came one step closer to the trophy that Lionel Messi ended up winning.

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This year, he has won everything and the Ballon d’Or crowns his work and his rebirth under Carlo Ancelotti, after having spent several years in the shadow of the giant Cristiano Ronaldo.

Karim Benzema scored 44 goals and provided 15 assists in 46 games in all competitions last season which saw Real Madrid lift the title in La Liga where the “Nueve” finished as top scorer as well as in the Champions League where he beat Sadio Mané’s Liverpool in final (1-0).